For many steak lovers, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is the epitome of fine dining, with its signature sizzling steaks and exceptional service. While it may seem impossible to replicate the exact same experience at home, with a few insider tips and techniques, you can cook a steak that rivals those served at this world-renowned steakhouse. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of steak cooking and explore the secrets behind Ruth’s Chris’s signature steaks.
Understanding the Basics of Steak Cooking
Before we dive into the specifics of cooking a Ruth’s Chris-style steak, it’s essential to understand the basics of steak cooking. A great steak starts with a high-quality cut of meat, and Ruth’s Chris is known for its USDA Prime steaks. When selecting a steak, look for the following characteristics:
- Marbling: A good steak should have a moderate amount of marbling, which is the intramuscular fat that’s dispersed throughout the meat. Marbling adds flavor, tenderness, and texture to the steak.
- Color: A high-quality steak should have a rich, beefy color. Avoid steaks with pale or washed-out color, as they may lack flavor and tenderness.
- Thickness: Ruth’s Chris steaks are typically cut to a thickness of around 1-1.5 inches. This thickness allows for even cooking and a nice char on the outside.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
Ruth’s Chris is famous for its filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip steaks. When choosing a cut of meat, consider the following factors:
- Tenderness: If you prefer a tender steak, opt for a filet mignon or a ribeye. If you prefer a steak with a bit more chew, a New York strip or a sirloin may be a better choice.
- Flavor: If you want a steak with a rich, beefy flavor, a ribeye or a New York strip is a great choice. If you prefer a milder flavor, a filet mignon may be a better option.
- Price: Ruth’s Chris steaks are premium products, and the prices reflect that. If you’re on a budget, consider opting for a more affordable cut of meat, such as a sirloin or a flank steak.
Preparing the Steak for Cooking
Before cooking the steak, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Bring the steak to room temperature: Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
- Season the steak: Ruth’s Chris steaks are seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices, but you can replicate the flavor with a simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pat dry the steak: Use a paper towel to pat the steak dry, removing any excess moisture. This helps create a crispy crust on the outside of the steak.
Creating a Ruth’s Chris-Style Crust
The crust on a Ruth’s Chris steak is legendary, with a crispy, caramelized exterior that adds texture and flavor to the steak. To create a similar crust at home, try the following:
- Use a hot skillet: Heat a skillet or oven broiler to high heat, around 500°F. This high heat helps create a crispy crust on the outside of the steak.
- Add a small amount of oil: Add a small amount of oil to the skillet or broiler, just enough to coat the bottom. This helps prevent the steak from sticking and creates a crispy crust.
- Sear the steak: Sear the steak for around 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak. This creates a crispy crust on the outside of the steak.
Cooking the Steak to Perfection
Cooking the steak to perfection is an art that requires a bit of practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help you cook a Ruth’s Chris-style steak:
- Use a thermometer: A thermometer is essential for cooking a steak to the perfect temperature. Ruth’s Chris steaks are cooked to a medium-rare temperature, around 130-135°F.
- Cook the steak to the right temperature: Use the thermometer to cook the steak to the right temperature. If you prefer your steak more or less cooked, adjust the temperature accordingly.
- Let the steak rest: Once the steak is cooked to the right temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for around 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and flavorful.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Here are a few tips to help you create a Ruth’s Chris-style steak:
- Add a pat of butter: Ruth’s Chris steaks are served with a pat of butter on top, which adds flavor and richness to the steak.
- Sprinkle with parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the steak.
- Serve with a side: Ruth’s Chris steaks are served with a side of creamed spinach or sautéed mushrooms. Consider serving your steak with a similar side dish.
Recreating the Ruth’s Chris Experience at Home
While it may seem impossible to replicate the exact same experience at home, with a few insider tips and techniques, you can create a Ruth’s Chris-style steak that’s sure to impress. Here are a few tips to help you recreate the experience:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Ruth’s Chris steaks are made with high-quality ingredients, including USDA Prime beef and fresh produce. Consider using similar ingredients to create a high-quality steak.
- Pay attention to presentation: Ruth’s Chris steaks are presented with a flourish, with a pat of butter on top and a sprinkle of parsley. Consider adding a similar touch to your steak.
- Create a romantic atmosphere: Ruth’s Chris is known for its romantic atmosphere, with dim lighting and soft music. Consider creating a similar atmosphere at home, with candles and soft music.
Conclusion
Cooking a Ruth’s Chris-style steak is an art that requires a bit of practice and patience. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can create a steak that rivals those served at this world-renowned steakhouse. Whether you’re a steak aficionado or just looking to create a special meal, this guide provides the insider tips and techniques you need to cook a perfect steak. So go ahead, fire up the grill or skillet, and create a Ruth’s Chris-style steak that’s sure to impress.
| Steak Cut | Tenderness | Flavor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filet Mignon | Tender | Mild | High |
| Ribeye | Chewy | Rich | High |
| New York Strip | Chewy | Rich | High |
| Sirloin | Chewy | Mild | Medium |
| Flank Steak | Chewy | Strong | Low |
By following these tips and techniques, you can create a Ruth’s Chris-style steak that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a steak aficionado or just looking to create a special meal, this guide provides the insider knowledge you need to cook a perfect steak.
What type of steak is best for a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse-inspired dish?
For a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse-inspired dish, it’s best to use a high-quality cut of steak, such as a ribeye or filet mignon. These cuts are known for their tenderness and rich flavor, which are characteristic of the steaks served at Ruth’s Chris. When selecting a steak, look for one that is at least 1-1.5 inches thick, as this will allow for even cooking and a nice char on the outside.
It’s also important to choose a steak with a good balance of marbling, which is the amount of fat that is dispersed throughout the meat. Marbling adds flavor and tenderness to the steak, and is a key factor in the rich, buttery flavor that Ruth’s Chris is known for. Look for a steak with a moderate amount of marbling, as this will provide the best balance of flavor and texture.
How do I prepare the steak for cooking?
To prepare the steak for cooking, start by bringing it to room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly and prevent it from cooking too quickly on the outside. Next, season the steak with a mixture of salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Ruth’s Chris is known for its signature seasoning blend, which includes a combination of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Once the steak is seasoned, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak develop a nice crust on the outside, which is a key factor in the flavor and texture of a Ruth’s Chris-style steak. Finally, brush the steak with a small amount of oil to help it cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
What is the best way to cook a Ruth’s Chris-style steak?
The best way to cook a Ruth’s Chris-style steak is to use a combination of high heat and precise temperature control. Ruth’s Chris steaks are cooked in a special broiler that can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows for a nice crust to form on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
To replicate this at home, you can use a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and let it heat up for a minute or two before adding the steak. Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I achieve the signature Ruth’s Chris sizzle?
The signature Ruth’s Chris sizzle is achieved by cooking the steak in a hot skillet or broiler and then finishing it with a pat of butter. The butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the steak and helps to create a nice crust on the outside. To achieve this at home, simply add a pat of butter to the steak during the last minute of cooking.
As the butter melts, it will create a sizzling sound and add a rich, aromatic flavor to the steak. You can also add a sprinkle of parsley or other herbs to the steak during the last minute of cooking, which will add a fresh, bright flavor to the dish. This is a key factor in the signature Ruth’s Chris flavor and aroma.
What is the best way to serve a Ruth’s Chris-style steak?
The best way to serve a Ruth’s Chris-style steak is to slice it thinly against the grain and serve it with a variety of sides and sauces. Ruth’s Chris is known for its signature sides, such as creamed spinach and sweet potato casserole, which add a rich, comforting flavor to the dish.
To serve the steak, slice it thinly against the grain and arrange it on a plate with your choice of sides. You can also add a drizzle of sauce, such as Béarnaise or peppercorn, to the steak for added flavor. Finally, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of parsley or other herbs, which will add a fresh, bright flavor to the dish.
Can I cook a Ruth’s Chris-style steak in the oven?
While it’s possible to cook a Ruth’s Chris-style steak in the oven, it’s not the recommended method. Ruth’s Chris steaks are cooked in a special broiler that can reach extremely high temperatures, which allows for a nice crust to form on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Cooking a steak in the oven can result in a more even cooking temperature, but it can also lead to a less flavorful and less tender steak. If you do choose to cook your steak in the oven, make sure to use a hot oven (at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit) and cook the steak for a short amount of time (no more than 10-12 minutes). You can also try using a broiler pan or oven-safe skillet to get a crispy crust on the steak.
How do I store leftover Ruth’s Chris-style steak?
To store leftover Ruth’s Chris-style steak, make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This will help prevent bacterial growth and keep the steak fresh for a longer period of time. Once the steak has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze the steak for up to 2 months, which will help preserve the flavor and texture. To freeze the steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat the steak, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and reheat it in a skillet or oven until it’s warmed through.